But even Sale's director of rugby could not hide his deflation after his side's season ended in defeat at Bath last week in the Premiership play-off semi-final.
"I will turn my frown upside down when I am on the coach," said Sanderson, reflecting on a season of contrasts: a strong start and finish with a slew of defeats in between.
No club won more matches in the regular season than the Sharks, 12 out of 18, but their lack of try bonus points meant they had to travel in the play-offs, a stage where home advantage invariably makes the difference.
Sale finished third, four points behind the top two, and no team has ever gone on to claim the title from that position. The Sharks gave it a go at Bath, recovering from 13 points down to lead with 15 minutes to go, but injuries had left them with a flanker in the second row and no Manu Tuilagi prowling the midfield.
It was Sale's third semi-final appearance in four years, but having reached the final a year ago, when Saracens finished the stronger at Twickenham, Sanderson had spent last summer plotting to go one better.
Denne historien er fra June 09, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra June 09, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Gallagher's late brace proves key for Caldy
CALDY built upon recent improved performances against London Scottish and Ealing to record a bonus point win against fourth placed Nottingham in a thrilling battle at Paton Field.
Leicester gunning to take down a legend
MICHAEL Cheika is aiming to take down a French icon as his Tigers attempt their Champions Cup mission impossible in Toulouse today and upset his children in the process.
Charnock the class has to end Havant resistance
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Quins turn on style to rip Sharks apart
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Williams is poised to shift up a gear
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Mitchell back to his best and ready for battle
ALEX Mitchell is now eight games into his injury-delayed season and feeling full of energy for the Six Nations campaign ahead of him.
Borthwick: It's time to put our foot down
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Watson: I had to quit, I was in so much pain
AS Anthony Watson trudged off five minutes into the second-half in Leicester's match at Sale in December, he knew deep down that his career was over.
Seabrook hat-trick as Saints edge a thriller
A STIRRING contest ended in Saints scrambling heroically to gain a last 16 home tie and gallant Munster facing a knockout tie on the road.
Barritt backing the new boys
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